Exercise is the most important tool for seniors

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»Play VideoA recent study found exercise is the most important tool for the elderly to stay clear of chronic diseases.

CLARKSTON, WA - Elderly residents at Eagle Rehabilitation in Clarkston let us know what their secrets are to staying healthy.

Ed Broyles, 90, spent most of his life working on a farm. He and Eagle Rehabilitation Director of Nurses, Jen Neubauer, credit his lengthened lifespan to his active youth.

"I think one of the commonalities that we see is currently our aging population has been more active than ever before," said Neubauer.

A recent study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said exercise is the most important tool for the elderly to stay clear of chronic diseases. Exercise doesn't need to be strenuous, just enough to get your muscles active and working.

Eagle Rehabilitation resident Martha Cory said she believes she is 82-years-young because she had to walk everywhere growing up.

"I did a lot of walking," said Cory. "We didn't have transportation. When I had a bicycle, I rode my bicycle."

An article on agingcare.com said that an easy 30-minute cardio workout, light weights and yoga classes are a safe way for the elderly to break a sweat.

"Eat right I guess, get plenty of exercise," said resident Tom Bush. "Everything in moderation."

Neubauer said there is a resident at Eagle Rehabilitation who is 101-years-old and she's healthier than some of the younger residents who come through.

"She still walks with a walker, helps herself dress, I mean she requires some assistance," said Neubauer. "She's really one that's been active her whole life."

According to a recent survey about growing old in America, 74% of people surveyed said health is the number one reason people felt aging was better than expected.

"I think one way to stay active is to remember we only have one body this is all that we get," said Neubauer. "And the better that we take care of it in our younger years will make a big difference in our later years."

Neubauer said it's never too late to start exercising no matter how many years young or old you are.

The Growing Old in America survey also mentions that 82% of Americans rank health as one of their top three priorities as they age.